COG tells Verizon how to strengthen 911 service

WASHINGTON – The Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments voted Wednesday on a plan to address the 911 emergency system failure and gaps in service following last summer’s Derecho.

The severe thunderstorm in late June caused the 911 emergency phone service to fail in parts of Northern Virginia.

The Council of Governments says Verizon should be held to higher operational standards.

The regional planning organization recommends that Verizon audit its entire infrastructure, processes and procedures. The council also wants Verizon to have a plan to better notify the public of 911 interruptions and to run semi-annual 911 outage drills.

The Council of Governments says the failure of two backup generators toppled the 911 service preventing the public from being able to reach fire and police dispatchers.

The council’s board of directors also agreed to create a committee of 911 directors to work with Verizon and regulators.